Is 8-08-08 a date for eternity? Some people, at least, believe it is a lucky one

By Rhonda Costa-Landers

Appeal Staff Writer

The rush may not be on as excitedly as the date of July 7, 2007, but Aug. 8, 2008, is getting some attention from couples wanting to marry.

"We have had an increase of calls inquiring about the availability of a judge," said Beth Phelps, marriage clerk at the Carson City Marriage Bureau.

Last year, for 07-07-07, Phelps said there were 12 licenses issued on July 6, and 13 issued on July 7 from the Carson City office. There were between 30-40 marriages performed on 07-07-07.

"That day was on a Saturday, last year. Aug. 8 is a Friday. So there may not be as many, but there will be more than our usual."

Judge Pro-tem Sylvia Lopez will be performing most of the ceremonies, with justices of the peace Robey Willis and John Tatro possibly officiating also.

Couples who are seeking to marry today are to have their marriage license in hand and be on the second floor of the courthouse, 885 Musser St., between 1 and 1:15 p.m. The marriage bureau opens at 8 a.m.

Phelps said typically two marriages are performed a day at the courthouse.

She is expecting at least six. today is also the last day for early voting so the office will be busy. However, marriage licenses will only be issued until 5 p.m.

"It will be interesting to see what happens," she said.

According to Wikipedia, in Asian culture, eight symbolizes fortune and good luck since the word eight sounds similar to the word Få, which means wealth in Mandarin.

The number eight is considered to be the luckiest number of all in Chinese culture and prices in Chinese supermarkets can often be found containing many eights.

The Olympics in Beijing open today, on 8-8-08, at 8 p.m.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.